New York: Ballantine Books, 1976. J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Mass Market Paperback. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. A four volume paperback set housed in the Publishers original Gold pictorial slipcase, featuring the Heraldic symbols that were drawn by J.R.R. Tolkien. These illustrations include the ones designed to represent Feanor, Idril Celebrindal, Earendil, Luthien Tinuviel, Fingolfin, Elwe, Luthien Tinuviel and Finwe. This is one of the few published sets that includes all four books, The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. This is also the first set to feature the illustrations by J.R.R. Tolkien, as the covers of the book and slipcase, rather then the Barbara Remington designs as found on previous issues. These paperback books are in Near Fine condition, with only the lightest of tanning to the spines. All four books appear unread, showing no creases to the spines, Still fit into the box, tightly as usual, a little bowing to the sides of the box. Two lightly bumped corners to the rear of the box, did not damage the books. No previous owners names or any other markings, the textblock is very clean and bright, unlike most sets from this era. The slipcase has a few minor rubs but the gold edges are all still glued down, not lifted or torn. Almost no rubbing to the sides or edges, no color loss, slightest bit of rubbing to the bottom. Overall a Near Fine set in beautiful condition. The Hobbit is a 59th printing, The Fellowship is a 57th printing, The Two Towers is a 53rd printing from June 1976, and the Return of the King is a 51st printing, from March 1976. Hammond and Anderson's, A Descriptive Bibliography notes that "after the 40th (March 1973) and no later than the forty-second (September 1973)", the Hobbit was sold in sets with the Lord of the Rings, housed "in a slipcase, gold (or red) printed paper over boards, featuring Heraldic devices by Tolkien." This design was used until 1983, when the covers were changed again. So this set is an early set from that period. Very unusual to find a set that has not been damaged after more than 40 years. A great find for the collector. Minor rubbing to the bottom of the slipcase, the only minor fault. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #2009

London: Harper Collins, 1991. Alan Lee. Limited/Numbered. Quarter Leather. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. The Lord of the Rings **Signed Numbered Alan Lee Deluxe Ltd. Ed.* "This specially bound and slipcased edition of the Lord of the Rings has been published to celebrate the centenary of J.R.R. Tolkien's birth on January 3, 1892. This edition has been limited to 250 copies for Harper Collins Publishers, each one numbered and signed by the artist." "This copy number 5/250, Alan Lee" A beautiful book, quarter bound in blue leather and cloth with the JRRT monogram on the front boards of the book and the original publishers slipcase, still enclosed in the original plastic wrap, just cut out to remove the book. This single volume edition has silver gilded edges, a ribbon marker bound in, and signed limitation page. Fifty original illustrations by Alan Lee thru the book. You can follow how the movies were first visualized by Lee, and carried thru by Peter Jackson, with Lee's assistance throughout the movie's production. A scarce book, again one of only 250 produced. Text block is clean and bright, no signatures or writing whatsoever. A few loose threads to the edges of the slipcase, otherwise a Near Fine unread copy. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1785

London: Philip Smith, 1970. Philip Smith. Soft Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings and other Bookbindings of Philip Smith. Signed by C Philip Smith to the top of the title page. Self published in London in 1970. The first part of the book is devoted to the renowned 'Lord of the Rings Wall of Books'. Very well illustrated in black and white, with technical notes on the binding process he used. The second part of the book deals with other superb bindings by this renowned bookbinding artist. The text is by Philip Smith in English with parallel French translation. The covers are silvered card with black printing - very difficult to photograph properly. The cover show some rubbing and creasing with minor color loss at the fold area. A minor amount of edgewear, but still in Very Good condition for it's 40 years of age. No previous owners names or writing noted. A very scarce and desired book, rarely available for the collector. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1192

London: Allen & Unwin, 1962. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Comprised of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Published by George Allen & Unwin, 1962 & 1963, 1st Editions, 12th imp/10th imp/10th imp. An exceptionally nice set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is housed in a custom full leather slipcase to show and protect. The set is in Near Fine condition, with small previous owners initials to the top corner of the front free endpaper, no other writing in the books. There are tape ghosts from the old style dustjacket protectors that have kept the dustjackets in beautiful condition, and also a mark to the flap of The Fellowship and The Two Towers, that may have been caused by the same tape, at least the position makes it appear that way. There is no foxing or offsetting in any of the books or to the endpapers as is common. The exterior cloth is clean and unmarked, with the gilt untarnished and bright. The books are clean and tight, and the maps are attached in each volume, and show no extra folds, but the first two have a minor tear at the mounting flap, now neatly repaired. The red topstain is not faded, and relatively uniform across all three volumes. The dustjackets are complete and the correct impression for the books. The dj's are in Near Fine condition with only minor rubbing and edgewear, mainly to the tips of the flap folds. The dustjackets show almost no tanning to the spines, much less than the norm. A lovely Near Fine set of this classic of fantasy literature. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1872

London: Readers Union, 1960. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. A beautiful set of this unusual presentation of Tolkien's trilogy. Not for sale to the general public, limited to members of the Readers Union only. Published by the Readers Union in 1960 with the permission of George Allen & Unwin Ltd, London. The books are in Near Fine condition, with no names or writing, and a slight amount of offsetting to the endpapers. Housed in the original dustjackets, all are Very Good Plus condition, having a bit of loss to the top and bottom of the spine ends, and the corners of the fold areas, a couple of closed tears. Previous owner has used clear tape on the back of the dustjacket to reinforce and stop any further damage to the fragile dustjackets. one of the dustjackets are price clipped, and they show a bit of light tanning to the spines. These unusual dustjackets are in Very Good Plus condition, and show beautifully. All maps are tipped in at the rear, and in excellent condition, no tears or misfolds noted. This set features a line drawing by an unnamed artist for The Readers Union, of 'Sauron's Eye'. The only set to have this particular and very unusual dustjacket. Scarce in this lovely condition. Includes a custom leather slipcase with gold foil stamping for display and protection of these beautiful books. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1996

London: Allen & Unwin, 1955. J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Edition, Hobbits, Lord of the Rings, Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, Comprised of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by George Allen and Unwin in 1955, these books are early impressions of the 1st UK Edition, originally published in 1954/1954/1955 respectively. The Fellowship of the Rings is a 3rd impression published in 1955. The Two Towers is a 2nd impression published in 1955, the title verso states it is a 2nd impression, confirmed by the 1955 date on the Title page, in its correct 2nd impression dustjacket. The Return of the King is a 1st impression published in 1955, in it's correct 1st impression 1st State dustjacket, lacking the blurbs on the rear flap. Top stain is faded to The Fellowship, not the other two books. All three books have their original dustjackets which are in Very Good Plus condition showing some light rubbing with the only minor loss to the bottom of the spine on the Fellowship of the Ring. A couple of splits at the lower spine folds, with some minor loss at the fold areas. The others are in remarkable condition with only the most minor wear to the edges, and only very light tanning to the spines of all three books. The dustjackets are priced and not clipped and covered in archival protectors, showing a little fading to the red lettering on the Two Towers. The books are in Very Good Plus/Near Fine condition without any names or writing, some offsetting to the endpapers on The Two Towers, none to the other two books. No previous owners names or markings to any of the books. The gilt to the spines are all clean, slightly dulled more so to The Two Towers. Each book has it's own original foldout map tipped in at the rear, and all are in excellent condition with no tears or extra folds noted. A custom full Red Leather slipcase to house and protect this wonderful set of books. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1928

London: Allen & Unwin, 1954. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, 1st UK Edition, 1st Impressions with Original Dustjackets, Leather Clamshell Case. George Allen & Unwin, published in 1954, 1954, and 1955, the 1st UK Edition, 1st impressions. The Fellowship of the Ring is a 1st impression published July 29th, 1954. One of 3000 printed for the UK. The Two Towers is a 1st impression published November 11th, 1954. One of 3250 printed for the UK. The Return of the King is a 1st impression published October 20th, 1955, one of 7000 printed for the UK. This copy is the later state, with the signature mark '4' and having the 'slipped' type on page 49. Correspondence with Wayne Hammond has indicated he has revised his original definition of the 1st state, from what was described in the Tolkien Bibliography, which is the same as this copy, but now this is considered the later state. All original maps are present and in Near Fine condition, no tears or misfolds noted. Both the Fellowship and The Two Towers maps have the 1st state point, the red dot off the coast of Umbar. The books exhibit no soiling with the boards showing clean and bright. Gilt titles, author and publisher are still bright and untarnished, some light rubbing to the edges, a couple of lightly bumped corners to the Two Towers. A slight bit of shelfwear to the bottom of the boards, with the spine tips a little pushed and rubbed as well. All three books are in their original dustjackets, which are not price-clipped. The dustjackets are all lightly soiled, with some tanning, but no fading to the red lettering on the spines. The red topstain is a bit dust and slightly faded on all three books. Previous owners name to the front free endpaper of The Two Towers, no other writing in any of the books. The endpapers show a moderate amount of offsetting on the Fellowship and Two Towers, with no offsetting to the Return of the King. A couple of foxing spots scattered in the books, only The Two Towers shows any foxing to the edges of the textblock. The dustjackets are not price clipped, and they show some minor loss to the edges, mostly to the spine and flap folds and spine tips on The The Two Towers, which also has a single small hole under the "O" in Towers. They have a number of small closed tears to the edges, with the spines lightly tanned and aged as is often found. No repairs or restoration to these original dustjackets, completely unsophisticated. The text blocks are all clean and bright, with only the most minor of internal foxing. A highly sought after set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1916

London: Allen & Unwin, 1954. J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Edition, Hobbits, Lord of the Rings, Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by George Allen & Unwin, in 1954, 1954, and 1955, the 1st UK Edition, 1st impressions. The Fellowship of the Ring is a 1st impression published July 29th, 1954. One of 1500 printed for the UK. The Two Towers is a 1st impression published November 11th, 1954. One of 2250 printed for the UK. The Return of the King is a 1st impression published October 20th, 1955. This copy is the 1st State, as per Hammond & Anderson, with the signature mark '4' and having the slipped type on page 49. Correspondence with Wayne Hammond has indicated he has revised his original definition of the 1st state, from what was described in the Tolkien Bibliography, making this the later state. All original maps are present and in Near Fine condition, no tears or extra folds. All three books are in their original dustjackets, and the Fellowship and the Return have the same previous owners name, while the Two Towers is different. No other markings or writing in any of the books. The front endpapers show a moderate amount of offsetting on the books. No foxing noted in any of the books, with a few scattered spots to the outside edges of the textblock, none to the interior of any of the books. The dustjackets are not price clipped, and they have only the most minor of rubbing and splits or loss to a few area's, mostly around the folds. The previous owner had reinforced the edges of the dustjackets with archival tape, and a couple of other minor closed tears as well. The tape was removed by a professional dustjacket restorer on the Fellowship at the time he removed the spotting on the front panel of the dustjacket, and strengthened the folds, which were starting to split. There was no other restoration work performed on the other books. Photo's are available of the before and after on the Fellowship dustjacket for comparison if desired. The text blocks are all clean, bright and tight, without any internal foxing or markings. Red topstain is still bright and clean on all three books, not faded as often found. A beautiful, collectable set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. The Fellowship of the Ring is a 1st UK Edition, 1st impression with the book in Very Good Plus/Near Fine condition. Previous owner's name and address (same in 1st & 3rd books) to the front free endpaper. The gilt is bright and untarnished on the spine. The boards are very clean and bright, with a couple of minor liquid spots to the boards, virtually no shelf wear on the bottom edge. The dustjacket is unclipped and shows beautifully. Very light tanning and only light soiling, however it does have the minor restoration removing an area of spots to the bottom of the front panel. A beautiful, correct 1st impression dustjacket. The original map is present, without any tears or extra folds, has the 1st state point with the red dot off the coast of Umbar. A lovely copy, in its correct and original 1st impression dustjacket. The Two Tower's - 1st UK Edition, 1st impression, has the date (1954) on the title page, and no other printings listed, which would indicate a true 1st imp. Book is in Very Good Plus/Near Fine condition. A previous owner's name to the front free endpaper, no other writing. The boards are very clean and bright, without any bumps to the corners, very little shelf wear on the bottom edges, and no noticeable wear to the spine tips. Gilt is still clean and bright, only slightly dulled. The dustjacket is not clipped, and has very light tanning on the spine, again is only lightly soiled. No chips or wear to the edges, and no loss to the fold area's or spine tips. The original map is present, without any tears or extra folds, also has the 1st state point with the red dot off coast of Umbar. A lovely copy, in its correct and original 1st impression dustjacket. The Return of the King - 1st UK Edition, 1st impression, the later state with the slipped type and signature mark '4' on page 49, as per Wayne Hammond's revised opinion. Same previous owners name as The Fellowship, a very moderate bit of offsetting on the endpapers. The boards are very clean and bright, no bumped corners, and no shelf wear is evident. Gilt is again clean and bright. The dustjacket is not clipped, and is lightly tanned, and shows no fading to the red lettering on the spine, and again is only lightly soiled. The map is present and in Near Fine condition, no extra folds or tears noted. A lovely example of the 1st impression book and original dustjacket. A beautiful set of First Editions of this classic of fantasy literature, with a custom red leather slipcase to protect and house these 'precious' books. Any questions, please feel free to ask. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1390

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1958. J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Edition, Hobbits, Lord of the Rings, Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, Comprised of the Fellowship of the Ring, the Two Towers, and the Return of the King, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Houghton Mifflin, these are the 8th impression of 1959 for The Fellowship of the Ring, the 6h impression of 1959 for The Two Towers, and the 4th impression of 1958 for The Return of the King. These books and dustjackets are in Near Fine condition, with the Two Towers and Return of the King being price clipped. No foxing or offsetting to the text block or endpapers, The Fellowship has a couple of tape ghosts to the front endpapers, and one to the rear endpapers. No previous owners names or markings in any of the books. All maps are tipped in, and in Near Fine condition as well. Virtually no wear to the edges of the dustjackets, and only the lightest rubbing to the tips of the folds and spine, no loss. A beautiful, tight, bright set, with no fading or tanning of the spine. A custom red leather slipcase is provided to show and protect this valuable collection. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1925

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1962. J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, Comprised of the Fellowship of the Ring, the Two Towers, and the Return of the King, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Houghton Mifflin. A matched set consisting of the 12th impression of 1962 for The Fellowship of the Ring, the 9th impression of 1962 for The Two Towers, and the 9th impression of 1962 for The Return of the King. These books and dustjackets are all in Near Fine condition, with some damp stains and darkening to the spine of The Fellowship. No foxing or offsetting to the text block or endpapers. No previous owner's names or writing in any of the books. The Return of the King dustjackets is price clipped, the other two still show the $5.00 price. All maps are mounted to the rear pastedown as issued, in Fine condition with no tears or misfolds. The dustjackets are all Near Fine with no tears or chipping noted. Virtually no wear to the edges of the dustjackets or rubbing noted. A stunningly beautiful, tight, bright set still shows the yellow topstain with the Return being a bit dusty and slightly faded, the others still clean, bright and unfaded. Not many matched sets in this lovely condition any more. A custom slipcase, covered with red bonded leather featuring Tengwar Title and Author, and Tolkien's own Ring & Eye design stamped to the front, and the Tolkien monogram to the rear, providing protection and beautiful display of this valuable set. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1790

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1955. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Houghton Mifflin, 1955/1955/1956 1st Editions, 2nd imp./2nd imp./1st Impression respectively. A beautiful set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is housed in a custom leather slipcase to show and protect this beautiful set. The set is all original cloth with the correct original dustjackets. The Fellowship of the Ring corresponds to the 3rd impression of the UK 1st Edition, but is the 2nd US impression, as Houghton Mifflin did not order any of the 2nd UK impressions. The Near Fine dustjacket of the Fellowship has clean bright colors with almost no wear or rubbing, but the spine is faded. The rear panel has some light soiling to the white areas, but no loss to any edges or folds. The Two Towers Near Fine dustjacket exhibits all the correct issue points for this early copy, including the "stripe, gap and cufflink" points. There is only minor rubbing at the spine fold areas with minor loss or chips, beautiful bright colors, a tiny bit of tanning to the spine, hardly noticeable. The Fellowship dustjacket has the photo of Tolkien in a 'V' on the rear panel, is not priced, and has the 'w' nicked on the front flap, line 11. The Return of the King dustjacket is price clipped and so is lacking the oversized '5' in the price with double uprights, the correct issue point for a true 1st Impression. The Near Fine dustjacket on The Return of the King shows some rubbing without any loss at the spine tips and along the flap fold with minor rubbing to the tips. The books are tight and clean with a previous owners name and date to the front free endpaper of The Two Towers, no other inscriptions or writing noted. No bumped corners, the exterior of the books are clean and bright, no tarnish to the gilt stampings. The Return of the King has some dark offsetting to the front pastedown and free endpaper from a newspaper article that was left inside for many decades. Only the dustjacket of The Return is price clipped, and all lack any foxing whatsoever. Besides being a truly beautiful looking set, this set is very scarce and collectable. The yellow topstain is faded on all three books but is still slightly visible The original maps are present in all three volumes, no extra folds or tears noted. The full red leather slipcase is felt lined, and stamped with Tolkiens Ring & Eye Design with Tengwar Title and Author, the JRRT Monogram to the rear panel. Additional digital images can be supplied on request. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions. A wonderful addition to anyone's Tolkien collection.Item #1998

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1957. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Houghton Mifflin , 1957/1957/1956 1st Editions, 7th imp./5th imp./1st impressions. An exceptionally scarce and lovely set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is all original cloth with the correct original dustjackets. The dustjackets are all in Very Good Plus condition, with only The Fellowship being price clipped. The Return of the King has a closed tear to the lower rear panel and a closed tear to the rear upper spine fold area, both neatly repaired with conservation tap, with minor chips and loss to the tips of the spine and fold areas. The three dustjackets are very bright, with minor chips and loss mainly to the ends of the spine, along with occasional black marks from an old style dustjacket protector. The protector has also left some tape ghosts to the endpapers, and some lines to the dustjackets, should be apparent in the photos provided. The Fellowship has some tape to the inside, which has darkened the upper inch of the spine a bit, but still has helped stop and further loss to the spine. This set is very scarce, with the variant Slate Blue/Grey Binding on the Fellowship of the Ring and the Two Towers, the only impressions that have this variant binding from the publisher. All three books have a previous owners bookplate (same) on the front free pastedown, mainly hidden by the dustjacket flap, no other writing noted. A slight musty smell to the books, hopefully airing them out a bit will help. The Return of the King, is a 1st impression, and the dustjacket exhibits the 1st state points with the oversized price and double strokes to the dollar sign. Original maps present in all three volumes, with a minor repair to a tear at the mounting fold of The Fellowship. The set now housed in a custom Black Leather Slipcase, featuring Tolkien's Ring & Eye device, Tengwar titles and author, and Tolkien's monogram to the rear board. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1881

London: Harper Collins, 2000. J.R.R. Tolkien. Limited. Quarter Leather. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Harper Collins in 2000, the 2nd impression of the 1997 Deluxe Limited Edition. Printed on India Paper to reduce the size to approximately 1". Quarter Bound in Black Leather and Black Cloth with Gilt title, Author, Publisher and Tolkien Monogram to the spine. Matching in size and design the Harper Collins Limited Editions of The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and The History of Middle Earth Series. Has the large Tolkien Monogram gilt stamped on front boards. Housed in original publishers black cloth slipcase with the monogram design gilt stamped to the exterior, matching the gilt design on the book. All edges gilded, showing no markings or rubs, no names or writing in the book. A beautiful example of the Limited Deluxe edition in Near Fine condition. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1723

London: Harper Collins, 2002. J.R.R. Tolkien. Limited. Quarter Leather. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Harper Collins Publishers, the 2002 4th printing of the 1997 Deluxe Limited Edition. Printed on India Paper to reduce the size to approximately 1". Quarter Bound in Black Leather with Gilt title, Author, Publisher and Tolkien Monogram to the spine. Matching in size and design the Harper Collins Limited Editions of The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and The History of Middle Earth Series. Has the large Tolkien Monogram gilt stamped on front boards. Housed in original publishers slipcase with the monogram design gilt stamped to the exterior, matching the gilt design on the book. All edges gilded, showing some rubs and a bit of loss to the gilding. A beautiful example of the Limited Deluxe edition in Near Fine condition. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1057

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1965. J.R.R. Tolkien. Second Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Houghton Mifflin, 1965 Second Editions, 12th/11th/11th impressions . A beautiful clean and bright set of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is in original cloth with the original unpriced dustjackets, now in removable archival protectors. The black cloth boards feature Tolkiens original "Ring & Eye" device stamped in various colors, with matching topstain and dustjacket color on each book. The books are all in Near Fine condition, with matching Very Good Plus dustjackets, showing the most minor edge wear and a bit of color loss to a couple of the spine tips. A few spots of scuffing to the front and back panels, nothing too serious. No names or writing or foxing whatsoever to the books. The dustjacket spines are bright and unfaded as is the norm. Dustjackets are not priced or clipped, and all have the blindstamp on the rear boards, meaning these are the Book Club Edition. The topstain on the books is unmarked and clean, not faded, a bit darkened. The set is housed in the original publishers slipcase with the label to the front, no fading to the black covering, no bumped corners, but a couple of scuffs and resultant color loss to the lower corner of the label. A deeper scuff to the top front edge of the slipcase that has split the black paper covering. Original maps are attached to the rear pastedown, in Fine condition, with no extra folds, or tears to any of the maps. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #2004

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1967. J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, 2nd US Edition, 1st Impression Set in Publishers Slipcase. Published by Houghton Mifflin , 1967 Second Editions, 1st impressions with date on Title Page to all three volumes, stated "First Printing W" on title verso. A clean and bright set of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is in original cloth with original dustjackets showing some minor wear along the edges and minor chipping to the spine of The Fellowship dustjacket, and a publisher's slipcase showing some minor rubbing. The black cloth boards feature Tolkiens original "Ring & Eye" device stamped in various colors, matching the topstain and dustjacket colors of each book. The set is all Very Good Plus. Neat gift inscription mostly hidden by the front flap on The Fellowship, no other names or writing noted. Some light wear at the edges of the dustjackets, and the some light fading of the spines is evident, along with the previously mentioned rubs. Dustjackets are not price clipped and show the correct $6.00 price on each, and are now housed in archival protectors. Maps are still attached in all three books, and show a minor repaired tear on The Fellowship map, no other tears or misfolds noted. A lovely set, significant for the collector, being the 1st impression of the 2nd US Edition. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #2000

London: Allen & Unwin, 1954. J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Edition, Hobbits, Lord of the Rings, Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, Comprised of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, 1st UK Edition, 1st Impressions, with a Custom Leather Slipcase. Published by George Allen and Unwin, 1954/1954/1955 respectively, all are 1st UK Editions, First Impressions. The Fellowship of the Ring is a 1st impression published July 29th, 1954, one of 3000 printed for the UK. The Two Towers is a 1st impression published November 11th, 1954, one of 3250 printed for the UK. The Return of the King is a 1st impression published October 20th, 1955, one of 7000 printed for the UK. The Return of the King is the later state with the slipped type and signature mark '4' on page 49, as per Wayne Hammond's revised opinion. All original maps are present and in Near Fine condition, with both The Fellowship and Two Towers maps showing the 1st State point of the red mark off the coast of Umbar. All three books are in their correct 1st impression dustjackets, in Very Good Plus/Near Fine condition, the Two Towers with some minor rubbing and chips to the spine ends, one closed tear to the upper front spine fold area. The Return of the King dustjacket is the 1st State lacking any blurbs to the rear flap. There is almost no rubbing and the lightest of soiling to the Fellowship and Return of the King, no chips or loss, and positively no fading. None are price clipped, and show a bit of rubbing along the folds. No foxing, but some minor offsetting on the endpapers of The Fellowship. The red cloth covered boards are clean and bright, with a bit of tarnishing to the gilt to The Two Towers. The Fellowship and The Return are clear and bright, but the corners of the front boards of The Fellowship are bumped. The text block is clean, bright and tight, without any internal foxing or markings. No spine lean, no previous owner's names or writing. The maps in The Fellowship and The Two Towers are the original, both without any tears or extra folds, also have the 1st state point with the red dot off coast of Umbar. The Return of The Kings map is also original and has no tears or extra folds. A beautiful, fresh collectable set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. Any questions, please feel free to ask. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1810

New York: Ace Books, 1965. Jack Gaughan. First Thus. Mass Market Paperback. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. The infamous Ace Books "pirated edition" from 1965. The opening salvo of the "War over Middle- Earth". A very nice Near Fine matched set of this notorious edition. This is the only paperback 'Lord of the Rings' to be printed based on later printings of the 1st Edition. All others were based on the revised editions. Houghton Mifflin, seemed to have been in technical violation of the law by having imported too many copies printed by Allen & Unwin. Ace Books took notice of the sales and overseas production of the books, (which are marked, 'Printed in Great Britain'), determined that LotR's had fallen into the public domain in the United States, and launched their own edition in spring 1965. {Hammond and Anderson, pg 104} So to secure their American copyright, Tolkien was asked to submit new material to create a new Edition, and so secure their copyright beyond question. Tolkien conducted a personal campaign against Ace Books in letters to his American fans. The "War over Middle-earth' was fought in the popular press, with the publicity contributing to increased sales and popularity. Within a year, Ace gave in to public pressure. They agreed to print no more copies, and they negotiated royalties to be paid to Tolkien. This set of books has tanned pages, slightly less than the norm, from the highly acidic paper, and very light or no creasing to the spines. Only minor amount of rubbing to the exterior, with the covers very bright and clean. A previous owners names to the upper edge of the rear cover of The Return of the King, a used bookstore stamp to the rear of the front cover of The Two Towers. A custom red leather slipcase featuring Tolkien's Ring and Eye device with Tengwar Title and Author on one side, and his JRRT monogram gilt stamped on the case. Makes a beautiful presentation of these exceptional books. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1951

London: Allen & Unwin, 1967. J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Revised (2nd) Edition. Vol I: The Fellowship of the Ring is a Second impression published in 1967. Vol II: The Two Towers and Vol III: The Return of the King are also Second impressions, published in 1967. All three volumes are in Near Fine condition with each dustjacket having been very carefully laminated by the previous owner. A very clean and bright textblock. No names or writing in any of the books, same name and date to reverse of back dustjacket flap, as shown in photo. No offsetting or foxing in any of the books. Original maps are in still in place. The dj's show beautifully with only a bit of color migration to the red printing from being laminated. A modest price for this set, due to the lamination of the dustjackets. Still a prized and collectable set of this classic. Custom made black leather slipcase included in the price. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #2007

London: Allen & Unwin, 1982. J.R.R. Tolkien. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, De Luxe India Paper Edition, by George Allen & Unwin. This is the 8th impression of the 1 Volume De Luxe Edition of the Lord of the Rings, published by Allen & Unwin in 1982. A Near Fine copy of the book, in a Near Fine case, with a lightly soiled label to the front. The book basically has no faults, clean and bright. The case has one lightly bumped corner, so split seams and only the most minor darkening to the label. This edition is printed on India Paper, making the full 3 volumes bound into a single volume, only 1 inch thick. The black buckram cloth has the Tolkien design, depicting the Numenorean throne with 'Elendil' in tengwar, stamped on upper cover in gilt, silver and green. Mottled black and grey wove endpapers, all edges trimmed and speckled light green. Housed in the original publishers box, with one corner lightly bumped. Both maps bound in, and in Fine condition, no tears or loss. No previous owners names or writing. An excellent example of this wonderful edition. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1569

London: Allen & Unwin, 1982. J.R.R. Tolkien. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, De Luxe India Paper Edition, by George Allen & Unwin. This is the 8th impression of the 1 Volume De Luxe Edition of the Lord of the Rings, published by Allen & Unwin in 1982. A Near Fine copy of the book, in a Near Fine case, with the label to the front. The book basically has no faults, clean and bright. The case has no bumped corners, or split seams and only the most minor darkening to the label. This edition is printed on India Paper, making the full 3 volumes bound into a single volume, only 1 inch thick. The black buckram cloth has the Tolkien design, depicting the Numenorean throne with 'Elendil' in tengwar, stamped on upper cover in gilt, silver and green. Mottled black and grey wove endpapers, all edges trimmed and speckled light green. Both maps bound in, and in Fine condition, no tears or loss. No previous owners names or writing. Still has the onionskin wrapper, a bit worn, but still with the book and case. An excellent example of this wonderful edition. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1994

New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Alan Lee. First Thus. Hard Cover. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Illustrated by Alan Lee. Published by Houghton Mifflin in 2002, an As New, bright 3 volume set in the original color pictorial dustjackets, Still sealed in original publishers shrinkwrap. One bumped corner with a small split, just starting to the lower front corner seam of the slipcase. All three volumes are assumed to be the 1st printing thus, from 2002, being the first time ever that the Alan Lee illustrated Lord of the Rings was issued in 3 volumes with all 50 of his color plates. The earlier edition had only 48 color plates and was a smaller size. These images eventually defined the look and feel of Peter Jackson's movie trilogy, and earned Alan Lee an Academy Award. A beautiful fully illustrated set for the Tolkien enthusiast. Photos are of an identical opened set, as this one is still sealed. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1974

London: Guild Publishing, 1987. J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Revised (2nd) Edition. Vol I: The Fellowship of the Ring is a Second impression. Vol II: The Two Towers is a Second impression. Vol III: The Return of the King is also a 2nd impression, of the 1987 publication by Guild Publishing by arrangement with Unwin Hyman, and features the pastoral dustjackets, found on the Unwin Hyman publications. The books have no topstain, with all edges clean and bright, no foxing or markings to the text. All three maps are present and mounted to the last free endpaper of the books. This is an unusual and hard to find set published in 1987. All three volumes are in Near Fine condition with a clean bright edges, clean and bright textblock, and in Near Fine unclipped and unfaded dustwrappers, showing no edgewear, some slight rubbing but no missing chips No bumped corners to the books, no previous owners names or writing. There are basically no faults to these books, still bright and tight. No shelfwear to the bottom of the boards, no previous owners names or any writing. No foxing or offsetting to any of the books. A custom full leather slipcase, featuring the large Ring & Eye device, as well as Tengwar Title & Author, along with the JRRT Monogram to the rear, to house and protect this Lord of the Rings set, in fabulous condition. They may have been read, but exhibit no spine lean, or damaged edges or spines. The dj's show beautifully without the usual rubbing and wear to the spine edges and corners. Modest price for this set of significant and collectable books. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1893

London: Folio Society, 1990. Ingahild Grathmer & Drawn By Eric Fraser. First Thus. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. A beautiful, Very Good Plus set of the second style of binding issued by the Folio Society in 1990. Printed in Great Britain, set in Barbou with Libra Display type, bound in full "Elephant-Hide" at the Bath Press in Avon. This binding features the "Seven (Silver) Rings for the Dwarf-lords", within "Three (Gold) Rings for the Elven-kings", surrounded by "Nine (Red) Rings for Mortal Men", encompassed by the "One Ring" (Gold) "to rule them all". Wonderful symbology, and beautiful execution to form the gilt design for the front boards of each book. Topstain in a dark 'blood red' color. This set of books shows some light rubbing to the boards from handling. Housed in the original publishers slipcase in Very Good condition as well, with some light general rubbing. A beautiful set, hard to find in this lovely condition. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1981

Australia: Harper Collins, 1991. Alan Lee. Limited/Numbered. Half-Leather. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. "This specially bound and slipcased edition of the Lord of the Rings has been published to celebrate the centenary of J.R.R. Tolkien's birth on January 3, 1892. This edition has been limited to 200 copies for Harper Collins Publishers, Australia each one numbered and signed by the artist." "This copy number 43/200, Alan Lee" A beautiful book bound in blue leather and cloth with the JRRT monogram on the front boards of the book and the original publishers slipcase. The single volume has silver gilded edges, red ribbon marker bound in, and signed limitation page. Fifty original illustrations by Alan Lee thru the book. You can follow how the movies were first visualized by Lee, and carried thru by Peter Jackson, with Lee's assistance throughout the movie's production. A scarce book, again one of only 200 produced. The cloth of the book is clean and unmarked, with no wear to the edges, and the leather is unmarked, clean and bright. The Tolkien monogram is clean and bright on both book and slipcase. A minor area on the backside of the slipcase, showing some soiling, and minor marks from a cleaning attempt. The slipcase shows some minor wear to the edges, with a few frayed edges on the base and top of the case. The text block and all illustrations are clean and bright, no signatures or writing whatsoever. A beautiful, highly collectable Signed Limited Numbered Edition for the Tolkien collector. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.Item #1522